Zombie movies, or films featuring some version of the walking undead, have been a staple of the horror genre since its inception, resulting in terrifying films with a chilling, underlying tension. The best zombie films pack intense stories and graphic action into the run-time, producing some of the most memorable, visceral moments in all cinema. With such a popular premise, it’s easy for big-budget productions to garner all the commercial and critical success, leaving some equally intense and brilliant films to be unfairly overshadowed.
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With groundbreaking shows like The Walking Dead — one of the most popular TV shows of all time — demonstrating a public thirst for zombie action, it should be no surprise that new and old zombie productions have started gaining more attention. Stellar works like Pontypool and Juan of the Dead are perfect examples of films that take the best elements of a trope, elevating some and subverting others to create their unique formula that helped redefine the zombie genre. While not as popular as others, these zombie films are as inventive and scary as any and deserve their time in the spotlight.
10 The Dead Don’t Die (2019)
Starring Bill Murray & Adam Driver
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5.3/10 The Dead Don’t Die RComedyHorror
The Dead Don’t Die is a horror comedy released in 2019, directed by Jim Jarmusch. The Dead Don’t Die focuses on a small town in Centerville that struggles to battle off hordes of zombies after the dead come back to life. The film has a star-studded cast, including Bill Murray, Adam Driver, Tilda Swinton, Steve Buscemi, and Danny Glover.
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*Availability in US Director Jim Jarmusch Release Date June 14, 2019 Writers Jim Jarmusch Cast Tom Waits , Selena Gomez , Austin Butler , Adam Driver , Chloe Sevigny , Bill Murray , Danny Glover , Tilda Swinton , Steve Buscemi , Caleb Landry Jones , Iggy Pop Runtime 103minutes
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The Dead Don’t Die is a zombie comedy with many absurdist elements, written by one of the most innovative and original directors who has led the way for more independent works. The film takes place in a sleepy town called Centerville, where an unusual moon event means the timing of light during the day becomes unpredictable and somehow causes bodies to rise from the dead. The hilariously written film features the definition of a great ensemble cast, with Bill Murray, Adam Driver, Tilda Swinton, and Selena Gomez, to name a few.
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Though several elements pay faithful homage to the traditions of the genre, Jim Jarmusch infuses his own eccentricities into the material throughout to create one of the most unconventional zombie films of all time. Though the film has been criticized for its slower pacing and rudimentary story, it more than makes up for that with spectacular performances, especially Murray and Driver, whose deadpan deliveries and sincere portrayals are the highlights of the movie. It’s an accomplished zombie film with humor and effects that deserve more widespread appreciation.
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9 Warm Bodies (2013)
Starring Nicholas Hoult & Teresa Palmer
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9/10 Warm Bodies pg-13RomanceHorror
Based on a novel and inspired by Romeo and Juliet, Warm Bodies stars Nicholas Hoult as R, a zombie living in an abandoned airport who falls in love with a living girl despite his undead status. As R works to protect the girl, Julie, from his fellow zombies, her presence begins to help him remember what is was like to be alive. Teresa Palmer, Rob Corddry, and John Malkovich also star.
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*Availability in US Director Jonathan Levine Release Date January 31, 2013 Writers Jonathan Levine Cast Nicholas Hoult , Teresa Palmer , Dave Franco Runtime 97 Minutes
Warm Bodies is a unique romantic zombie comedy based on Isaac Marion’s 2010 novel, which, in turn, takes inspiration from Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. It follows a zombie (R) who falls for a human survivor of the outbreak named Julie; the relationship is obviously anything but traditional, as the two face the usual joys and challenges of courtship alongside the issue of one being undead. The film has a strong, emotional core; while at face value, it may seem like a silly premise, it delivers on its promises.
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Though it’s a film, based on a novel, based on a play, this rom-com never feels derivative or lacking in its own ideas. The two leads, in Hoult and Palmer, are truly captivating, creating a supernatural chemistry that jumps off the screen and lends weight to a plot that could very well seem forced and gimmicky. Though the most hardened of horror fans would probably be put off by this more subtle and tender interpretation, for those who do immerse themselves in the film, the acting, visuals, and romantic arc are all excellently crafted, creating a unique spin on the zombie genre.
8 The Cured (2017)
Starring Elliot Page & Sam Keeley
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The Cured RHorror
The Cured is a 2017 film set in a post-apocalyptic world recovering from a zombie-like virus. As society grapples with reintegrating formerly infected individuals back into the community, tensions and fear persist, highlighting social and ethical challenges in the aftermath of the outbreak.
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*Availability in US Director David Freyne Release Date February 23, 2018 Writers David Freyne Cast Tom Vaughan-Lawlor , Elliot Page , Lesley Conroy , Sam Keeley , Amy De Bhrún , Stuart Graham , Peter Campion , Natalia Kostrzewa Runtime 95 minutes
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In another twist on the zombie genre, a running theme throughout unfairly underrated films, The Cured is an Irish drama that explores a society after an outbreak has been cured. Written and directed by David Freyne in his feature-length cinematic debut, this post-apocalyptic world sees previous zombies try and be reintegrated back into society with mixed results. The film follows the story of Abbie, a woman who is having a tough time physically and psychologically due to the aftereffects of the virus, providing an outlet for the film’s social and political undertones.
There is much social and civil unrest throughout the film, as divisions form between the “cured” and those who never had the virus, the “resistant.” Freyne produces a beautiful work beyond his experience with a zombie film that focuses on life after a cure is discovered and administered and the slow-burning, thought-provoking narratives that derive from such a scenario. Though the film focuses on the elements that put it outside the discussion as the scariest zombie film, it is one of the most original and introspective works in the sub-genre.
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7 Fido! (2006)
Starring Carrie-Anne Moss & Billy Connolly
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Fido R
In a 1950s-esque world where space radiation turns the dead into zombies, the Robinson family navigates life with a domesticated zombie named Fido. Timmy, a lonely boy, befriends Fido, seeing him more as a pet than a threat. As their bond deepens, Fido unexpectedly becomes a companion to the neglected Helen, challenging the notion that zombies are merely mindless killers. Amidst family dynamics and societal pressures, the Robinsons learn that love and loyalty might exist in the most unexpected forms.
Director Andrew Currie Release Date March 9, 2007 Cast Billy Connolly , Carrie-Anne Moss , Tim Blake Nelson , Dylan Baker Runtime 91 Mins
Fido! is a Canadian black comedy that breaks many of the usual genre rules of zombie films, starring the iconic Scottish comedian Billy Connolly. Set in the 1950s, the film reimagines the world in an alternate timeline where radiation from space turns the dead into zombies, creating a zombie war that saw humans victorious, with remaining zombies turned into servants by means of a special remote collar. Never before has a zombie film blended horror, gore, satire, and heartfelt moments to such an extent to create a true melting pot of genres.
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Connolly stars as Fido, a zombie bought by a family who treat him as an undead pet-servant hybrid. This situation proves as destructive as it sounds when Fido’s collar malfunctions, and he causes a small outbreak in the community after biting several neighbors. The originality of the story, combined with genuine laugh-out-loud moments, makes it a zombie film that turns the usual tropes on its head. The film stands as a metaphor for societal norms and the treatment of those deemed as different in a biting satirical work; a well-balanced and polished film that is criminally underrated.
6 Zombie For Sale (2019)
Starring Jeong Jae-Yeong & Kim Nam-Gil
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Zombie for Sale Not RatedHorrorComedySci-Fi
Zombie for Sale is a South Korean horror-comedy directed by Lee Min-jae. The film revolves around a dysfunctional family whose lives are disrupted when they discover a zombified man. Seizing the opportunity, they devise a plan to exploit the situation, leading to unexpected and chaotic consequences. Starring Jung Jae-young, Kim Nam-gil, and Uhm Ji-won, the film blends humor with elements of horror in a unique setting.
Director Lee Min-jae Release Date February 13, 2019 Writers Lee Min-jae , Jeong Seo-in Cast Jeong Jae-yeong , Kim Nam-gil , Uhm Ji-won , Lee Soo-kyung , Jung Ga-ram , Park In-hwan , Se-ah Jang , Choi Jong-ryol Character(s) Joon-Gul , Min-Gul , Nam-Joo , Hae-Gul , Jjong-Bi , Man-duk , Gas station Zombie , Elder Runtime 112 Minutes Expand
Debut feature film director Lee Min-jae created a nuanced spectacle that even the most seasoned filmmakers would be proud to call their own. Zombie For Sale is a South Korean satirical comedy that sees a family take financial advantage of a zombie outbreak after discovering that the zombie’s bite — that usually infects and destroys the receiver — actually makes the victim feel more youthful and vibrant. The story is a hilarious adventure with many gory and terrifying moments in a perfect blend of laughter and suspense.
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The film, as well as being a zombie horror and light-hearted comedy, is also a very complex dissection of modern work and business culture, where anything and everything can be monetized — even a zombie apocalypse. It does a superb job combining the different elements with strong character development and defined roles that make for a fascinating portrayal of an opportunistic family. The plot takes a turn when it turns out the bites aren’t harmless, but instead, just slow acting, creating a nerve-wracking and comical setup with an exceptionally well-crafted climax.
5 The Battery (2012)
Starring Jeremy Gardner & Adam Cronheim
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The Battery NRDramaHorror
The Battery, directed by Jeremy Gardner, follows baseball players Ben and Mickey as they navigate a zombie apocalypse in rural Connecticut. Struggling with their differing survival strategies, they form a partnership, or “battery,” to confront the undead threat while encountering a mysterious human voice over a walkie-talkie.
Director Jeremy Gardner Release Date October 13, 2012 Writers Jeremy Gardner Cast Jeremy Gardner , Adam Cronheim , Niels Bolle , Alana O’Brien , Jamie Pantanella , Larry Fessenden Runtime 101 minutes
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In another directorial debut, Jeremy Gardner writes, produces, and stars in this horror drama that focuses on two former baseball stars who team up to survive a zombie outbreak. The two men are forced into a situation where they must trust and protect one another, but every scenario seems to drive a wedge further between them in a world where going it alone means certain death. The film takes a more subtle, minimal approach to much of its build-up, focusing on interpersonal relationships and developing the characters before punctuating these moments with extremely graphic action.
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10 Great Zombie Movies That Are Unfairly Overlooked: |
IMDb Rating: |
|---|---|
|
The Dead Don’t Die (2019) |
5.5/10 |
|
Warm Bodies (2013) |
6.8/10 |
|
The Cured (2017) |
5.6/10 |
|
Fido! (2006) |
6.7/10 |
|
Zombie for Sale (2019) |
6.6/10 |
|
The Battery (2012) |
6.3/10 |
|
Night Of The Creeps (1986) |
6.7/10 |
|
Juan of the Dead (2010) |
6.4/10 |
|
Pontypool (2008) |
6.5/10 |
|
One Cut of the Dead (2017) |
7.6/10 |
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Though the film has a slower pace that some fans of the genre might not appreciate, it’s this calmer tempo and relaxed visuals that help the dramatic moments land with such ferocity. The Battery isn’t held back by its staggeringly low budget of just $6000, showing an elegance and creativity that may well have been developed in having such small resources from which to pull. The budget also gives it a more authentic, gritty feel that meshes with the more stripped-down narrative, creating an underappreciated gem that is rarely referenced in zombie film discussions.
4 Night Of The Creeps (1986)
Starring Jason Lively & Steve Marshall
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9/10 Night Of The Creeps RHorrorComedySci-Fi
Night of the Creeps is a 1986 science fiction horror film directed by Fred Dekker. The story follows a group of college students who must fend off a horde of alien-infected zombies. Tom Atkins stars as a hard-boiled detective drawn into the chaos when experiments from decades past resurface, unleashing terror on a small town. The film blends elements of horror and comedy, creating a cult classic within the genre.
Director Fred Dekker Release Date August 22, 1986 Writers Fred Dekker Cast Jason Lively , Tom Atkins , Steve Marshall , Jill Whitlow , Wally Taylor , Bruce Solomon , Vic Polizos , Allan Kayser Character(s) Chris , Ray Cameron , J.C. , Cynthia , Detective Landis , Sgt. Raimi , Coroner , Brad Runtime 88 Minutes Expand
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Released just a few years before the rise of some of the best zombie films from the 1990s, this 1986 sci-fi horror still holds on to some elements that make it quintessentially of the 1980s. Night of the Creeps mixes elements of zombie horror, alien invasion, and paranormal terror to create a unique homage to B-movie ideals, making it nostalgic and thoroughly entertaining. The story follows two college students who steal a cadaver from their school’s lab as part of a fraternity ritual but end up with an undead body from the 1950s controlled by an alien organism.
The majority of the film’s characters, including Romero, Carpenter, Raimi, Landis, Hooper, Cronenberg, Cameron, Miner, Craven, and Bava, are named after famous horror movie directors.
The film was rolled out with little fanfare and failed to make a splash at the box office, but its lack of commercial or critical success didn’t define it forever. Night of the Creeps is a certified cult classic, garnering a large fanbase due to its overall self-awareness and memorable one-liners delivered perfectly by actors Jason Lively and Steve Marshall. Though it does make use of elements from many genres, it never feels messy or convoluted, rather, a cohesive and interesting amalgamation of the best of multiple horror sub-genres.
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3 Juan Of The Dead (2010)
Starring Alexis Díaz de Villegas & Eliécer Ramírez
Juan of the Dead — a title that nods to Edgar Wright’s infamous zombie classic, Shaun of the Dead — is a Spanish-Cuban zombie comedy. The plot tells the story of Juan and a group of his friends who realize they are good at killing zombies and set out on an entrepreneurial adventure during the outbreak. While it’s not always easy to mix comedy with horror, whenever it is achieved, the combination is usually a fascinating watch that leaves the audience laughing one minute and watching their back the next.
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The film’s writing and directing are razor-sharp, with multiculturalism providing a unique lens from which to examine a zombie apocalypse. Juan of the Dead has witty dialogue, inventive characters, and several action sequences that border on slapstick, adding further levity to tense moments. Like other zombie films, the satirical elements are often symbolic of a deeper meaning, and the context within the work can also be viewed as an intense political commentary that adds richness and intelligence to an otherwise classic zombie horror.
2 Pontypool (2008)
Starring Stephen McHattie & Lisa Houle
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7/10 Pontypool Not RatedHorrorSci-Fi
Pontypool is a psychological horror film directed by Bruce McDonald, based on the novel Pontypool Changes Everything by Tony Burgess. The story unfolds in a small town where a radio DJ and his crew discover a deadly virus is spreading through the English language. As they broadcast from their studio, they grapple with the unfolding chaos and strive to decode the phenomenon.
Director Bruce McDonald Release Date September 18, 2009 Writers Tony Burgess Cast Stephen McHattie , Lisa Houle , Georgina Reilly , Hrant Alianak , Rick Roberts , Daniel Fathers , Beatriz Yuste , Tony Burgess Runtime 93 Minutes
Based on Tony Burgess’ 1995 novel Pontypool Changes Everything, Pontypool is a psychological zombie horror that is incredibly original. The film follows radio DJ Grant Mazzy at his work, as he soon realizes there is a zombie apocalypse and that the virus has been transferred linguistically. He tries to figure out how to warn the public, while his only method to do so is also the cause of the outbreak. The clever premise takes a while to get going, but when it does, it is as enthralling and clever as any that have come before.
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Though Bruce McDonald was working on a modest budget, it never feels like he had to make sacrifices in the narrative or the filming style. The film is mostly shot in one location, which adds to the intensity of the outside pressures and the claustrophobic elements, regardless of whether this is a stylistic or budgetary choice; either way, the effect is unnerving and perfectly suits the film’s goals. The unconventional method of spreading the virus is intelligent, cementing it as an exceptionally created work that is an underrated classic in the genre.
1 One Cut Of The Dead (2017)
Starring Takayuki Hamatsu & Yuzuki Akiyama
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One Cut of the Dead ComedyHorrorDrama
One Cut of the Dead is a Japanese indie film directed by Shinichirou Ueda. The story follows a film crew shooting a low-budget zombie movie, only to be interrupted by real zombies. The film showcases an innovative take on the horror-comedy genre, with surprising narrative twists that defy the typical conventions of zombie cinema.
Director Shin’ichirô Ueda Release Date November 4, 2017 Writers Shin’ichirô Ueda Cast Takayuki Hamatsu , Yuzuki Akiyama , Harumi Shuhama , Kazuaki Nagaya , Hiroshi Ichihara , Mao Runtime 96 minutes
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Shinichiro Ueda showcases his talents, directing One Cut of the Dead on a shoestring budget, with a cast of unknown actors, and making one of the most brilliant zombie films of all time. The film is a multi-layered meta masterpiece, following a group of indie filmmakers and actors who are creating a zombie horror film (within the film) also called One Cut of the Dead. The first third shows this fictional project before flashing back to before production, depicting the entire sequence and leaving the viewers knowing more than the characters, which adds a fascinating sense of anxiety.
One Cut of the Dead was a huge commercial success, grossing over $30 million worldwide on a budget of $25,000, but it never seemed to garner the respect and admiration of other more popular zombie films. An independent zombie movie about making an independent zombie movie is a great homage, somehow paying respect to both itself and the genre as a whole. The storytelling, disjointed structure, comedic elements, and stellar performances all combine to make a perfect film that deserves to have more spotlight and should be discussed among the best zombie films in history.
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